Real effect of male fertility test to be examined

Whether an expensive male fertility test has any bearing on improving outcomes for couples with difficulties conceiving is being examined as part of a project at Cork Fertility Centre (CFC).

The sperm DNA fragmentation test, which examines the level of damaged DNA found inside the sperm head, costs, on average, €400, and is offered by many fertility clinics.

However, whether these tests have any real value should become clearer when scientists involved in the DNA Fragmentation Trial at CFC determine if excessive sperm DNA fragmentation really precludes conception naturally.